Chapter 1 Basic Concepts and Definitions Fundamental Features of Learning Learning and other forms of behavior change Learning, performance, and levels of analysis Definition of learning Naturalistic versus Experimental Observations The Fundamental Learning Experiment The control problem in studies of learning The general-process approach to the study of learning The use of nonhuman participants in research

Definition of Learning Enduring change in the mechanisms of behavior involving specific stimuli and/or responses that results from prior experience with those or similar stimuli and responses.

Definition of Learning Enduring change in the mechanisms of behavior involving specific stimuli and/or responses that results from prior experience with those or similar stimuli and responses. Learning vs. Stimulus change Fatigue Motivational change

Definition of Learning Enduring change in the mechanisms of behavior involving specific stimuli and/or responses that results from prior experience with those or similar stimuli and responses. Learning vs. Performance

Definition of Learning Enduring change in the mechanisms of behavior involving specific stimuli and/or responses that results from prior experience with those or similar stimuli and responses. Learning vs. Maturation

Definition of Learning Enduring change in the mechanisms of behavior involving specific stimuli and/or responses that results from prior experience with those or similar stimuli and responses. Observational vs. Experimental Methodology ©M. Domjan

Rationale for Nonhuman Animal Research Better experimental control Knowledge and control of past experience Greater control over learning environment and procedures Easier repeated observation of the same individual under the same circumstances Knowledge of and control of the genetics of the participants Easier control of motivational variables Processes may be simpler No verbal mediation No demand characteristics Facilitates study of the evolution of intelligence or learning Facilitates study of the biological bases of learning

Inadequate Alternatives to Animal Research Naturalistic observations Plants Tissue cultures Computer simulation